One Dead After Fireworks Explode Inside Car

[matcom]

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MELBOURNE, Fla. -- A Melbourne man died Tuesday morning from burns he received when fireworks in his car ignited Monday night. The Melbourne Fire Department says this is the first time they can remember fireworks burning someone so badly they died.

Firefighters say the car Artavia Walker was driving car was so full of gunpowder from the fireworks and burning so hot it took seven minutes before they could get the blaze out.

The passenger in the car, Antonio Robinson, was able to get out of the vehicle a few blocks before the car crashed into a light pole at Carver and Walker Street. Artavis Walker was unable to get out and was in the car when it crashed. By the time he got out, he was burned over 90 percent of his body.

His older sister, who calls him Ta-Ta, says he died around 6am. "He is in a better place. Ta-Ta is in a better place," says Yahsica Walker.

Police say Walker and Robinson were driving the car around Melbourne, lighting illegal fireworks and tossing them out the window. Investigators believe a spark ignited a back seat loaded with pyrotechnics and the car exploded in flames.

http://www.wftv.com/newsofthestrange/3472070/detail.html